LETTER FROM THE MASCC CHAIR

MASCC creates and promotes a unique experience to students and industry professionals, through meaningful education, networking opportunities, and impassions the understanding of how science meets mainstream beauty.

Dear SCC members and esteemed colleagues,

I know some of you may be wondering who I am and perhaps "what business do I have becoming Chair of MASCC as a Gen-Z chemist?" To be honest, I asked myself the same question. Compared to many of my peers, I don't have decades of experience and at times I've felt a touch of imposter syndrome in rooms filled with seasoned intellectuals.

For a bit of background, I joined the Society of Cosmetic Chemists through the Ohio Valley Chapter as a junior at the University of Toledo where I studied pharmaceutical science, cosmetic science, and formulation design. Joining SCC was one of the best career decisions I've made. After graduating, I began my career at Actera Ingredients in Pennsylvania as a Formulation Intern and was promoted to Chemist in 2022. At a MASCC event in 2024, Cynthia Johnson approached me about running for an Executive Board position. I immediately said yes because I wanted to be more involved in my industry, willing to run for anything, except Chair-Elect.

"So, how did we end up here?" you might ask. When I was first encouraged to consider the Chair-Elect role, I declined. I thought it would be too difficult, too time-consuming, and frankly, I wasn't sure I wanted that level of responsibility. Then one evening, I received a phone call from 2025 Chair Nelson Ayala. He reminded me of a drive and work ethic I had momentarily forgotten. He saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself, and his encouragement shifted my perspective in a way that changed everything. That conversation set me on a path I'm incredibly grateful I didn't walk away from, a path that has allowed me to inspire students, strengthen connections within our community, and build meaningful professional relationships along the way. While this role is demanding and requires a significant time commitment, I now welcome that challenge wholeheartedly, knowing the impact we can make, will continue to make, and have already made. Though it took me some time to fully realize it, it is truly an honor to serve this chapter.

Mid-Atlantic SCC has accomplished so much this past year and even the small wins deserve to be celebrated. We have a great deal to be proud of. This year, we were able to donate to one of my favorite programs NYSCC Future Chemist Workshop, host a free webinar on claim substantiation for hair products, award two $1,000 student scholarships, and engage our community through multiple giveaways across our social media platforms. We also hosted our inaugural Green Technologies Symposium in Philadelphia and held a free virtual Career Day featuring 10 speakers, sold-out registration, and over 60 attendees. We are also officially launching our new microsite, so details about our chapter and upcoming events will be more accessible to our members. Additionally, we are proud to be the only chapter awarded the NYSCC Fellowship Grant.

This past year has shown me how to lead while listening, how to adapt and shift direction while managing multiple priorities, and how to delegate effectively and trust in a strong team. The 2025 E-Board will be truly missed. Thank you to Nelson Ayala, Erica Tyree, and Brian Tienta for your dedication and hard work throughout the year. I would also like to thank our 2025 Area IV Directors, Cynthia Johnson and Cheryl Seidell, for your guidance and unwavering support.

Congratulations to our 2026 Chair-Elect, Chanel Person. You have been such a joy to work alongside this past year, and I am truly excited to continue this journey with you. I would also like to welcome our newest E-Board members: 2026 Treasurer, Briana Lawimore and Secretary, Milan Scott. It is a pleasure to have you both join the board, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish together. Our vision for 2026 is to elevate technical education through relevant events that reflect where the industry is headed; grow member engagement by fostering community, collaboration, and meaningful participation; and encourage the next generation of cosmetic chemists through mentorship, scholarships, and career development initiatives. I am excited about what lies ahead and am confident that together we will continue to make a lasting impact.

Sincerely,

Khadijah Oyefusi

Khadijah Oyefusi 2026 Chair, Mid-Atlantic Society of Cosmetic Chemists